Document Type
Article
Department/Program
Physics
Journal Title
Physical Review a
Pub Date
2012
Volume
86
Issue
5
Abstract
We present a quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) technique for calculating the exact finite-temperature properties of Bose-Fermi mixtures. The Bose-Fermi auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (BFAFQMC) algorithm combines two methods, a finite-temperature AFQMC algorithm for bosons and a variant of the standard AFQMC algorithm for fermions, into one algorithm for mixtures. We demonstrate the accuracy of our method by comparing its results for the Bose-Hubbard and Bose-Fermi-Hubbard models against those produced using exact diagonalization for small systems. Comparisons are also made with mean-field theory and the worm algorithm for larger systems. As is the case with most fermion Hamiltonians, a sign or phase problem is present in the BFAFQMC algorithm. We discuss the nature of these problems in this framework and describe how they can be controlled with well-studied approximations to expand the BFAFQMC algorithm's reach. This algorithm can serve as an essential tool for answering many unresolved questions about many-body physics in mixed Bose-Fermi systems.
Recommended Citation
Rubenstein, B. M., Zhang, S., & Reichman, D. R. (2012). Finite-temperature auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo technique for Bose-Fermi mixtures. Physical Review A, 86(5), 053606.
DOI
10.1103/PhysRevA.86.053606